Suspicion over wife ends in gelatin blast at kalaburagi home, man and teenage daughter killed

Kalaburagi: A 50-year-old quarry worker allegedly triggered a gelatin stick blast inside his house at Mataki Tanda in Aland taluk of Kalaburagi district on Tuesday morning, killing himself and his 15-year-old daughter and leaving four others seriously injured.

The deceased have been identified as Shivlal Baliram Rathod, 50, and his daughter Meera, 15. Police suspect that Shivlal carried the explosive material home from the stone quarry where he was employed and detonated it while family members and others were inside the house.

According to preliminary information, Shivlal had allegedly been suspicious of his wife, Savita. Police suspect that a domestic dispute and his suspicion over her relationship may have preceded the incident. However, investigators are yet to establish the exact circumstances and motive behind the blast.

The explosion caused severe injuries to Savita and three others identified as Prakash, Surekha and Vivek. They were rushed to a hospital for treatment, and their condition was reported to be serious.

The powerful blast damaged the house and created panic in the locality. On receiving information, personnel from the Aland police station reached the spot and began an investigation.

Police are also examining how Shivlal obtained the gelatin sticks, how he transported them from the quarry and whether the explosive material was legally issued for quarrying activities.

Investigators are collecting evidence from the scene and questioning family members and others who may have information about the events leading up to the explosion.

A case has been registered at Aland police station, and further investigation is underway. Officials are also expected to ascertain whether there were any lapses in the storage or handling of explosives at the quarry where Shivlal worked.

The incident has highlighted the risks associated with the unauthorised handling or transportation of explosive materials and has raised questions over how the gelatin sticks reached the residential premises.